Fitter-than-ever striker Michael Chopra has set himself an ambitious target of scoring 25-30 goals for the Blues next season. The 28-year-old says he is feeling very good about himself as he goes into what he says is a “big, big” year for him.

Writing on Twitter, Chopra said: “I'll be setting my targets high this year. I did not reach my target last year [scoring 14 times rather than 20], but I'm fitter and stronger this year. I'll be going for 25-30 goals this year. [It] is going to be a big, big year for me.”

The former England U21 international’s first season with the Blues was blighted by off-field issues as he sought to address his long-term gambling problems with his performances and fitness suffering as a result.

Town sent the ex-Cardiff, Sunderland and Newcastle man for a week at the Ashram Healthort in Calabasas, California last month where he was joined by fitness coach Andy Liddell.

On his return from the $4,500-a-week retreat, the frontman revealed that he had lost three kilograms and says he very much enjoyed his time there: “America was amazing, very grateful to the club for sorting it all out.

“Had a great time and worked hard, along with the fitness coach Andy Liddell. People will see a different player this year. Can't wait for the season to start now.”

He says his better shape is illustrated by the data collected at the start of pre-season training last week: “Put it this way, we did a test this time last year and I got level 14. We did the same test on Thursday and got 19.1, so I'm feeling very good about myself this year.

“I believe I will be top scorer. I had a very bad season last year and scored 14 goals, so you can only imagine how many I will score if I have a good season.”

Photo: Action Images

TR11BLU added 13:39 - Jul 11 I share your hopes, @brockleyblueboy, but I fear Bullard has long since 'had' his day. In Jimmys mind Im sure he only owes himself. Utter waste of two years salary. Chops on the other hand has a big part to play this season. I feel a few quid on top scorer...EW of course.
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not_a_witty_name added 13:39 - Jul 11 PJ needs Duncan- have you forgotten to take your anti-depressants again?
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roytheboy added 13:52 - Jul 11 Well done Michael, we are right behind you.
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Foreverdon_Blue added 13:53 - Jul 11 I agree with brockleyblueboy, Bullard is one of the best midfielders in this league - he just needs to apply himself better and focus on his football. When on form he can control games in the middle. As for Chopra, again if on form is one of the best finishers in the Championship. If these 2 can produce any sort of form this season we have a real chance for top 6.

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brian_a_mul added 14:04 - Jul 11 Dont forgt JET has also trained hard and worked on his stamina & conditioning. If we can get Chops & JET playing consistantly for 90 minutes we will have one of the best attacks in the league. Throw in Martin, a fit Jimmy, a fit Carson & we can see a very formiddable and creative midfield. With Chambers and an on form Smith we should have a very solid all round team. Just need to keep them fit and motivated. IMO PJ and the staff have done all the right things this summer so far. The players certainly seem motivated, confident and raring to go. Watch out Blackburn Rovers!!

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DiamondGezzer added 14:06 - Jul 11 Never knock positivity.
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Tractastic added 15:46 - Jul 11 Despite a disappointing first season not helped by his off the file issues i think the majority of the fans are right behind him and although obviously actions do speak louder than words this is great to hear from one of our most experienced and naturally talented players.Lets hope it works out. Interested to know what Bullard's plans are to push the Town forward?
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Lightningboy added 16:23 - Jul 11 Chops is capable of getting 25+ goals and we have the players capable of supplying the ammo - Jet,Drury,Martin,Carson,Bullard - providing they pull their finger's out over the whole of the season.
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dirtydingusmagee added 16:24 - Jul 11 Chops has the ability, its side issues and confidence that spoiled him last season,hopefully he will stay out of trouble and turn it on this season .COYB
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alfromcol added 16:32 - Jul 11 If Chops reaches his target, we will be in the play offs, minimum. Hope you succeed Chops.
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TractorBoy666 added 17:09 - Jul 11 Please score at least half of your goals at my end of the stadium please?? Haha, chops seems up for it and so am i!
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jas0999 added 17:11 - Jul 11 Good to hear. Hopefully Chopra will discover some form after a fairly disappointing and disruptive first season for us.
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Wickets added 17:52 - Jul 11 Have a bet on it!!
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dude added 18:07 - Jul 11 whatever you all say. moohahaha.
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TimmyH added 20:20 - Jul 11 Have to agree with MintyHalfWit, that's exactly what I was thinking. He really is setting his expectations a bit too high, last year he said he would almost guarantee us 20 goals and look what happened, ok to set your standards high but rarely do you see a striker in his late 20's have a 'boom' over the previous season.
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Talbs77 added 21:06 - Jul 11 I think he's more than capable to getting 25-30 goals because he's a very good player. If he gets off to a flyer I think he can do it. No good saying he didnt do it last year so wont this year, lots of players under performed last year besides, I dont actually think Chopra did under perform that much considering what he also went through personally. For me he's the best striker we've had since Bent.

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s6blue added 21:27 - Jul 11 go on son
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Suffolk_n_Good added 22:46 - Jul 11 Go on Chops! £10 on Leagues top scorer?! That's me putting that on, not Chops! ;)
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TimmyH added 23:28 - Jul 11 Just to reiterate my point, his highest seasonal tally in his career is 22 goals back in 2006-7 season, what he is saying just won't happen - but all the best!
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Michael11 added 23:31 - Jul 11 Less of the talk, more of the walk please Chops.
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